The Broads are Britain's largest nationally protected wetland. It is also one of the Europe's most popular inland waterways
Where are Norfolk broads? What are they like? What plants and animals are to be found? How were they formed?
The region known as the broads lies in the counties of Norfolk and Suffolk in the east of England. The broads extend over the lower valleys of the rivers Waveney, Yare and Bure, together with the tributaries of the Bure - the Ant and the Thurne and with the tributaries of the river Yare, which is the river Chet. The Norfolk Broads are the northern part of The Broads National Park. The southern part of the national park lies within the Suffolk broads. Therefore, the broads are collectively referred to as the Norfolk and the Suffolk Broads, but many people call the entire system the Norfolk Broads. Here is a map to refer to-
The Broads are Britain's largest nationally protected wetland. It is also one of the Europe's most popular inland waterways. Popular for its blend of wildlife and distinctive landscapes, it is a unique area made up by its rivers, broads, marshes and fens. It is also rich in rare habitats, which support myriad plants, and animals. The Broads' distinctive flat landscape is inimitable. Artists and photographers have long been inspired by play of light on open water and the vast skies. Many of the scenes recorded by painter in the 19th century remains essentially unaltered till today such as the windpumps, church towers, areas of carr woodland and the white sails of boats on the rivers are still striking vertical. The important part of the Broads heritage is the built environment. Buildings in the broads like the natural environment reflect the changing pattern of living and working down the centuries. On the riverside, there are characteristics timber-framed cahlets.
Globally, wetlands are among the most threatened of landscapes and therefore the Norfolk and Suffolk Broads Authority was set up in 1988 and began operating in 1989. The responsibility of the Broads Authority is to safeguard and enhance the natural beauty of the Broads. For example, the number of boats on the Broads has created problems in the fragile Broads environment. The river banks have been damaged by boat washed which is further more worsened by the polluted and cloudy water. The silt, which has been washed away from the banks, gathers at the bottom of the waterways, increasing the need for dredging if the rivers and broads are to remain navigable.
The Broads is a fascinating and diverse area with unique wildlife. The Norfolk broads are internationally legendary for their flora and fauna. The Broads is home to species that are fast disappearing. The Norfolk broads is a paradise for wildlife, hosting one of the UK's largest tern colonies as well as rare species such as the Swallowtail butterfly and the Norfolk hawker dragonfly, which are distinctive to this part of the country. A kingfisher is just one example of bird life found on the Broads together with other animals such as the Berwick Swan, Heron, Bittern grass snake and Marsh harrier. The main habitats are rivers and broads; fens and carr woodland; drained marshlands and estuary. At the heart of the food web are the plants.
Water plants play a vital role in this freshwater system of rivers and shallow lakes. The fens alone have 250 plant species, from the nationally protected fen orchid, to more rich species such as ragged robin. The swallowtail butterfly, which is restricted to East Anglia, can also be seen in the fens. The Broads are popular for many species of ducks and water birds. Teal and widgeon over winter on the open broads; Reed and sedge warblers live in reedbeds together with the rarer Cetti's warbler.
Broads' story began in the Middle Ages. By the 12th century, much of the east Norfolk has been cleared of its woodland for fuel and building materials, and over the following 350 years peat digging was a major industry. Peat digging was carried out on a massive scale with almost every settlement in the area for extracting peat as its principal source of fuel. Past records show that the pits gradually began to fill with water, making the turves of peat more difficult to extract. Peat diggings were abandoned by the 14th century, they flooded and this partly man-made landscape became a wetland rich in wildlife.
Why are tourists attracted to this region? How important is Tourism to the economy of this region?
A special place-Norfolk broad attracts over a million people each year with its rich wild life and unique landscapes. There are many different ways to enjoy the area, from sailing and boating to canoeing, from fishing and bird watch to walking. The pleasure of winding waterways, old villages, wind pumps and grazing marshes can be enjoyed in many kinds of outdoor pursuit. A man-made landscape to start with broads is marked by its link with humanity which has provided a foundation of nourishment and fascination for centuries. The wetland of Broads is probably best explored and appreciated afloat. Boats are an essential aspect of the Broads, which is one of the most extensive and varied inland waterways in the country and one of the most popular in Europe. Since the turn of the century, the Broads has been important for sailing and other types of boating. There are 200km of safe, navigable waterways with over 60 boatyards offering sailing or cruising holidays. The Broads have an exceptional range of riverside pubs and hotels, thatched cottages and farmhouse, waterside apartments and campsites, which provide a quality accommodation.
The impact of tourism in Broads has been highly significant. A visitor survey carried out in 2000 shows the top five-day trippers in which 41% come to visit a specific attraction in Broads, 22% come because there are wide ranges of things to do in the Broads, 13% come because they had enjoyed the previous visit and 10% people come for a day trip to see the scenery/landscapes/walking.
The survey also shows the percentage of people who come for long stay rather then a day trip. The table shows that 17% of people come to see ...
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The impact of tourism in Broads has been highly significant. A visitor survey carried out in 2000 shows the top five-day trippers in which 41% come to visit a specific attraction in Broads, 22% come because there are wide ranges of things to do in the Broads, 13% come because they had enjoyed the previous visit and 10% people come for a day trip to see the scenery/landscapes/walking.
The survey also shows the percentage of people who come for long stay rather then a day trip. The table shows that 17% of people come to see the scenery/landscapes/walking and because there are wide range of things to do. 15% of people come to enjoy boating and because there is good accommodation available. Moreover, 9% of people come to stay at a holiday centre and for other reasons.
Below is a graph to show all the information.
Tourism is a vital part of the local economy in Norfolk Broads. Thousands of jobs are linked directly or indirectly to the industry. Villages like Wroxham, Haveton and Horning are becoming dependant on the tourism industry in the recent years. It is estimated that boating holidays generate around £60million per annum for the local economy, which in turn is calculated to support around 2,300 jobs.
The falling demand may reach to a point where services and communications can no longer be supported, which is a major concern for the broads. In recent years, the Broads have been attacked as a holiday black spot. The boat industry hire industry in the Broads has been suffering, with half of the boatyards disappearing over the last 20 years. The conditions of the Broads and the quality of its habitats depend greatly on the way the surroundings land is managed. This of course has a knock on effect on the quality of the experience to the visitor. The area will undoubtedly need to see a few more developments if the area wants to see a boost in visitors. The condition of quality holidays are the proprietors of small businesses around the Broads such as pubs, restaurants, shops, post offices and attractions who obtain or who could obtain trade from boaters. This is like a multiplier affect where owners of small businesses will have dispensable income to spend. The money will then spread down further in the economy when eventually the entire Broads are dependant on tourism. Likewise, boating holiday trends could affect all businesses surrounding the Broads.
How might increase in tourism affect the landscape and fragile environment?
The broads are globally popular as an exclusive destination for water recreation and the origin of self-drive boating holidays. However, in recent years, demand for hire boat holidays has fallen and the hire business has slender. The number of visitors on the Broads has halved since 1987. Between 1960-1990 the number of tourism increased from 0.75million to 2million. During this period a lot of damage was done, to accommodating the tourist and providing them with a wide range of things to do. Traditional two-week boating holidays have all but disappeared, leaving the boat hire industry increasingly dependent on short breaks. For the private boat owners and conservationists this has caused problems.
The number of motor boats on the Broads has created problems in the fragile environment. In a weekend, people tend to concentrate in area, clogging waterways rather then going far in the waterways, causing damage to riverbanks and creating noise. Nevertheless, these problems are not new and reflect the past. Boat wash has damaged the riverbanks, which is worsened by polluted cloudy water. The silt gathers at the bottom of the waterways, which has been washed away from the banks increasing the need for dredging if the rivers and broads are to remain navigable.
Boating problems
Motor boats remain the most popular way to enjoy the Broads. There are 3475 private motor craft registered with the Authority and 1753 motor hire craft. These crafts five people an easy retreat into the countryside but there are also drawbacks. Some water boat engines are noisy, and their design means they can generate considerable boat wash, which is a serious cause of bank erosion.
Over the last 60years, a combination of chemical changes affecting water quality increased boating use. Combinations of other factors have also caused erosion of the ronds, often resulting in the exposure of the river wall.
One of the main causes of bank erosion by undermining vegetations at the river edge is by wash from motor boats. Waves caused by boat wash eventually eat into the bank itself.
The threat of flooding by high tide breaching river walls is increased by the erosion of ronds. All that separates the river from the land beyond is the floodwall in places where the rond has been lost, and in many places where this has begun to crack and erode. Erosion also increases the need for dredging. As the action of boat wash, wind and tides washes the banks. Eventually the eroded material is loosened and then deposited somewhere else causing sedimentation.
Below is a diagram to show the impact of bank erosion in Norfolk Broads. . In the past there were lots of plants and reeds growing on the water's edge. The only easy solution to protect the banks is by using sheet piling to create artificial banks. However, steel piling is considered inappropriate on an attractive area of river.
Day boats
Day boats offer land-based visitors a convenient way to experience the area from the water. They can explore at their own pace within the limits of the hiring time. There were 328-day launches for hire throughout the system in 1999. Day boats generate a disproportionate amount of wash and for this reason they create particular environmental problems.
Electrically powered day boats are being pioneered by some boatyards and are becoming popular with customers who are environmentally aware and who enjoy the quietness of the electric motor. Day boats are particularly suited to electric power since their batteries can be re-charged overnight. The Broads Authority is keen to encourage more day boat operators to try electric power.
The upper Thurne and the Trinity Broads (Filby, Ormesby and Rollesby Broads) make up two of the most important area for wildlife in the Broads. These internationally important areas are very sensitive and need special policies to protect them. Research has suggested that human disturbance in can affect the population of wildfowl. Over the last 40 years birds and wildfowl, number in the Upper Thurne have declined. Not only the birds but also the fragile water plants can be damaged by regular motor boat activity by recreational.
Refer to the comments from residents. Are they for or against the tourist industry? How do their views differ? Why do you think they have different views?
John Tempest aged 38 --- Wroxham Chamber of Commerce
"Tourism is vital for the economy of the region. Without tourism, there would be lots of unemployment. With modernisation, fewer people are employed in agriculture. However many tourist jobs are seasonal and poorly paid."
John Tempest who is from Wroxham Chamber of Commerce is not against tourism. He understands the purpose of tourism. He is saying that the jobs in agriculture are going down so the maximum amount of people's jobs are linked with tourism which shows that tourism is vital to the area. Therefore we need to increase tourism in order to secure more jobs. However he also says that jobs in tourism are seasonal and poorly paid so we also need to make it sustainable. He works in the Chamber of Commerce who job is to make sure that local people are not unemployed. They are making sure that the area is prosperous.
John Tempest's views are different form Saira Hassan because her job is to look after the nature where as john Tempest's job is to make sure that people are employed. John Tempest wants to make sure that people do not get unemployed because their jobs are dependant on tourism. Whereas Saira Hassan understands the importance of tourism to the economy but only if, it is sustainable.
I think their views differ because both of them are talking about two different points. John Tempest is talking about jobs whereas Saira Hassan is talking about the environment. However, both of their points are equally important because jobs and the environment both are two important points, which cannot be neglected.
Saira Hassan aged 26 --- "Friends of the Earth"
"Tourism is important, but we don't want to damage the environment. The Broads is a special place that is why people come here. We need tourism that is sustainable. We need more people to sail, canoe, cycle and walk around our area. The scenery that attracts people to the area is being destroyed."
Saira Hassan who is from the "Friends of the Earth" is not against the tourism as long as it is sustainable. She understands that tourism is essential to the area but the area cannot be damaged due to that reason. "Friends of the Earth" is an independent organisation who is not funded by the government. They are therefore not interested in making money from tourism. Their main purpose is to look after the environment and that it is used sustainable. Saira Hassan is saying that we need to encourage people to do activities like sail, canoe, cycle and walk which does not harm the environment. If we do not do that then the scenery that people are attracted to will be destroyed which means that there will be no tourist in the area at all.
Saira Hassan views differ from both John Tempest and Peter Grant because both of them are for tourism whereas she is against tourism. Like John Tempest, Peter Grant is also thinking about jobs linked with the tourist industry. Saira Hassan is suggesting to get rid of motor boats and try and encourage people to do other activities but on the other hand Peter Grant thinks that boats are important because he can get a job there which does not need any skills.
I think their views differ because Saira Hassan is concerned about the environment and the entire economy whereas Peter Grant is more interested in finding a job.
Peter Grant aged 16 --- Unemployed school leaver
"The motor boats need maintenance and fuel. The creates lots of jobs. I want a job looking after the boats. However, my mates tell me that you can only work on this during summer."
Peter Grant who is unemployed is desperately looking for a job. He is an unskilled worker for whom the best place to find a job is in the tourist industry. He is therefore not against tourism. However he also realise that jobs linked with tourism are seasonal and people like him need sustainable tourism through out the year in order for them to get a secured job. People like him are dependant on tourist industry and therefore tourism is vital for the region of Broads.
Peter Grant's views differ from Mary Smith who is completely against motor boats because they are noisy and harm the banks of the rivers. She thinks that the motor boats are ruining the Broad whereas Peter Grant wants to find a job linked with motor boats.
I think their views differ because they are of different age groups. Peter Grant has just left school is looking for a job and on the other hand Mary Smith is retired. They are both looking at the issue from different point of views and therefore their views differ.
Mary Smith aged 68 --- Retired resident of Upton
"I have lived in this small village all my life. The motor boats are noisy and erode the banks with their wash. They are ruining The Broads.
I feel sorry for young people these days; they cannot afford to buy a house in the village. There are few employment opportunities so they move away".
Mary Smith has lived in a small village called Upton all her life. She is now retired and wants to live in peace but cannot do so because the motor boats make a lot of noise. Tourism brings new people in the area everyday, which make local people insecure in the area. She is therefore against tourism. She thinks that because of tourism, educated people get few opportunities for employment and they are therefore forced to move somewhere else because they can no longer afford to live there.
Mary Smith's views differ from all the other resident's views. If differs from John Tempest because he is not against tourism and thinks that without tourism there would be lots of unemployment. Her views also differ from Saira Hassan because she was not against tourism as long as it was sustainable and she understood the importance of tourism to the economy but was not willing to compromise it with the environment. Lastly, Mary Smith's views differ from Peter Grant because he is looking for a job linked with motor boats where as she hates the motor boats.
I think her views differ from everyone else because she is of a different generation and is retired. She is not linked with any companies' unlike John Tempest and Saira Hassan and therefore does not care whether people are employed or whether the environment is sustainable.
Choose your preferred option. Justify your choice and say what you think the residents will make of your choice.
Matrix
OPTIONS FOR CHANGE
EFFECTS OF THE ENVIRONMENT
EFFECTS ON EMPLOYMENT
OPTION A
Positive points
* Steel piling will help prevent the bank erosion. .
* The motor boats will no longer affect the banks of the river.
Negative points
* Steel piling looks ugly on the bank. People would not be attracted.
* More motor boats will mean more noise for the local people
Positive points
* A boost in jobs for looking after boats.
* Unskilled workers will easily find a job for themselves.
* More tourism will mean more money from the tourists, which is good for the economy.
* Increase in the multiplier effect.
Negative points
* More people's job will be dependent on tourism.
* More jobs will get seasonal because tourism is seasonal
* Will be hard for educated people to find jobs.
OPTION B
Positive points
* Decrease in tourism will protect the fragile environment.
* Steel piling will not be needed so will not look unattractive
* Tourism will be sustainable for the future.
Negative points
* Some tourists will be disappointed because they enjoy motorboats.
* Everyone might not enjoy doing other activities and therefore decide not to come.
Positive points
* The economy will not dependent on the boating industry.
Negative points
* People will loose their jobs, which, are linked with boating industry.
* Income from boats will no longer be there
* Unskilled people will be unemployed.
OPTION C
Positive points
* Will benefit the environment. Only parts will be damaged.
* Tourists will enjoy without harming the environment.
* Habitats not disturbed.
Negative points
* Tourist might not like the changes made.
* Will take more time for them to enjoy everything.
* Will have to go to different parts to enjoy specific activity. This might mean more travelling, which they might not prefer.
Positive points
* People's jobs would be safe.
* Both unskilled and educated people will have jobs.
Negative points
* Some parts of Broads will have more jobs linked with tourism then others.
* People will have to move to different area to find their suitable jobs.
OPTION D
Positive points
* Would not need sustainable tourist industry.
Negative points
* Industries will create pollution for the environment.
* Industry buildings will look unsightly in the attractive area.
Positive points
* More job opportunities will be available for unskilled and educated people
* Jobs would not be seasonal
* The economy will not dependent on the tourism industry
* Steady employment will be available.
Justification
In my opinion option, B would be best change for the Norfolk Broads. If we limit the number of motor boats in the area, the fragile environment will automatically be protected. If there will be less motor boats there would also be no need to use steel piling, which looks inappropriate in an attractive area of river like Broads, as I had mentioned before in how tourism is effecting the fragile environment of broads. The Norfolk Broads authority is also encouraging more electric boats. They installing more places where boats batteries can be recharged. They are becoming popular with customers. Day boats generate a disproportionate amount of wash and for this reason they create particular environmental problems. Therefore, it would be appropriate to limit the number of motor boats in the area.
Limiting the motor boats will also benefit the residents because in the previous resident's view section we saw that local people who have lived in the Broads all their lives like Mary Smith are not happy with the noises the motor boats make. We also saw that Mary Smith thinks it is ruining the Broads. Limiting the motorboats will decrease the level of noise in the area so the local people will not have any complain.
In the resident's view, we also read Sarah Hassan's view who wanted tourism to be sustainable. She had suggested that more people should be encouraged to sail, canoe, cycle and walk or else the scenery that people are attracted to will be destroyed. Changing the Norfolk Broads to option B will provide everything that Sarah Hassan had suggested. This is because option B is also trying to make tourism sustainable by encouraging people for other activities, which would not harm the environment. Even in large area such as Scotland, sustainable tourism is considered the way forward. People realise that tourist can damage an area.
In my opinion option, B would be the best change for the Norfolk Broads because it protects the bank of rivers without the need of ugly steel piling. It would also satisfy two resident's views, as it would provide them what they had demanded. Lastly, it would make tourism sustainable, which would protect the fragile environment of the Broads.
Thurne Windmill
(Click to enlarge - 21k)
Riverside building
(Click to enlarge - 18k)